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Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Vista 64-bit added to the 2009 Defrag Shootout

I have decided to abandon testing on Windows 7, partly because I screwed up the backup I had made, and mainly because I think it would be better to test a 64-bit environment instead. So I have been busy installing Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition instead.There is another reason, too. I need to see if I can get my database environment to work with MySQL, so I am combining the two requirements together and installing MySQL 5.1 64-bit on the FRAGG machine as well. I will not run the MySQL service when doing the benchmarks, but at least I can save some time having both available.I have obtained a legitimate license for Acronis True Image Home 11.8101, which is working perfectly (Not 2009). Stand by (but don't hold your breath) for more results. I am still experimenting with the hIOmon software, in order to obtain some useful benchmark information and analysis.On the defrag front I have been notified of several new defrag programs, which will be included in the testing:

Update Tuesday 7.30pm: One thing I have already noticed is that the 64-bit Vista needs more RAM. Much more than the 1GB available in the machine. I guess that anyone buying it without at least 4GB is basically wasting their time anyway, but be warned if you intend to buy the 64-bit version of Vista or Windows 7. Most of the SPECviewperf V10 benchmarks failed for lack of RAM (or some other incompatability I haven't found). I have experimented with switching off a bunch of services in order to conserve RAM usage.Update Wednesday 10pm: There must be a problem with the graphics driver or something, because only 2 of the 64-bit SPECviewperf V10 benchmarks worked, and some of the PCMark Vantage 64 benchmarks failed. So I have run the 32-bit versions, and they seem fine. Clearly 64-bit software is not ready for prime time just yet.

3 comments:

Anonymous
said...

WOW! This "defrag shootout" is really "shaping up" Donn. It definitely looks to be quite exciting. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of all fans of your blog when I say that we appreciate your efforts and attention to detail. Thank you and great work!